A soldier returns to the United States from active duty in a combat zone. The soldier is diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The nurse's highest priority is to screen this soldier for which problem?
Schizophrenia
Major depressive disorder
Bipolar disorder
Dementia
The Correct Answer is B
A. While both schizophrenia and PTSD are mental health disorders, the priority in this context for a soldier with a history of combat exposure is to screen for conditions that commonly arise from traumatic experiences, such as PTSD and major depressive disorder.
B. PTSD and major depressive disorder can often co-occur, especially in individuals exposed to trauma. Given the soldier's history of combat exposure and PTSD diagnosis, screening for major depressive disorder is crucial due to its frequent association with PTSD and its potential severity.
C. Bipolar disorder may share some symptoms with PTSD, but given the context of returning from combat and the diagnosis of PTSD, the priority would be to focus on screening for
conditions more directly linked to trauma.
D. Dementia is less likely to be directly related to combat exposure in a returning soldier. While it's essential to assess the soldier's overall mental health, the immediate concern in this scenario would be mental health conditions more commonly associated with trauma.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. For a client with severe depression, a calm and direct approach is beneficial. Sitting with the client and offering simple, clear information can help establish trust and rapport.
B. Attending group therapy immediately might overwhelm the client, especially if they are newly admitted and experiencing severe depression.
C. Taking the client on a tour and introducing all staff members might be overwhelming or excessive for someone with severe depression.
D. While explaining unit policies is important, a direct informational approach might be more effective initially given the severity of the client's condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A: Demonstrating empathy would involve acknowledging the client's feelings or beliefs, but the nurse does not validate the client's delusion or express understanding of the client's emotional state. Instead, the nurse redirects the client to the reality of the situation, which is the group therapy session.
B: The nurse's response is therapeutic because it clearly communicates the expectations of the therapy environment. By stating "it is time for group therapy and we expect everyone to attend," the nurse is providing clear, structured guidance without engaging with the delusion, which can help the client understand the reality of the situation and what is required of them.
C: Setting limits on manipulative behavior would involve addressing and curtailing attempts by the client to control or influence a situation for their own benefit. In this scenario, the client's behavior is delusional rather than manipulative, and the nurse's response does not directly set limits on manipulation but rather on adhering to the therapy schedule.
D: Using reflection would mean the nurse is mirroring the client's thoughts or feelings to help them self-reflect. However, the nurse does not reflect the client's statement but instead focuses on the expectations of the therapy program. The nurse's response does not encourage the client to reflect on their own thoughts or feelings but redirects them to the activity at hand.
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